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Show lobbyists debate pros, COfl! of recreation vehicle rules conservation proposals BY TOM HORTON Chronicle Staff In a debate centering largely around recreational vehicles (i.e., motorcycles, jeeps and snowmobiles) snow-mobiles) and whether or not they should be outlawed, the local chapter of the Sierra Club was reminded Thursday night that it does not have the only conservation-minded lobby in the Stale Legislature. At a meeting in the Salt Lake Public library, featuring associate professor of Geography, Dr. Merrill Ridd, an extremely vocal group of people representing the all-terrain vehicle (ATV) interests expressed strong dislike for some proposed conservation legislation. Dr. Ridd is co-chairman of the Citizen's Committee earlier this year. Dr. Ridd is co-chairman of the sidered legislation, which water, minerals, air and? 7 puted area, recreation 1 The citizen's commit n sted experts in all recreation before submi ' recommendations to the priate legislative bodies tI creation proposals are in ,f hands of the State Par k Recreation Commission. "Best Is Least" Dr. Ridd agreed that fc . . government is often the w government, and thai too mar laws concerning the same subie' can be a confusing and it' defeating situation. But he j dicated that the present laws not functioning as they were i tended. The federal, state anL local agencies charged with er, forcement of these laws n Citizen's Committee on Natural Resources appointed by the Utah Legislative Council earlier this year. Recommendations for Legislature Several months ago the committee com-mittee finished work on a large number of recommendations concerning con-cerning natural resources, which will be presented in final form lo the 1971 State Legislature. Dr. Ridd, who is not a member of the Sierra Club, reported the committee's commit-tee's recommendations to the club at Thursday's meeting. The ATV people's major complaint com-plaint was that there are enough laws already existing to protect the environment, but enforcement agencies are not paying attention to them. As it now stands, the legislation would require a second state registration of motorcycles, four-wheel-drive vehicles, etc., and would appropriate more money to permit better enforcement. Five Recommendation Topics The controversial proposals are in only one of five areas of con- more money, he claimed. The meeting was interrupted, several points by outbursts an; accusations from the snowniobi-lobby, snowniobi-lobby, and the club's Chairniano; the Conservation Education. mi, conducted the meeting, had k call the event to order seven times. Dr. Ridd later said he a: surprised there was not even mok disruption, this being such it emotional issue. , "Re-orientation Needed" Most of the legislation vi probably take the form o: resolutions and recommendation; by the legislature, rather than take the form of law, according lo Di. Ridd. He said that public agende; generally need a re-orientation in the direction of environmental protection. Dr. Ridd added that complaints and suggestions can be registered by calling the State Parks and Recreation Commission ai 328-5881. A public hearing on the subject will be held December 16. |
